U.S. patent application number 12/463272 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for reel assembly and method of making the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tzung-Lin Huang. Invention is credited to Chun-Huai Huang, Tzung-Lin Huang.
Application Number | 20100147991 12/463272 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42239352 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100147991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Tzung-Lin ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
REEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A reel assembly includes first and second reel plates each
having a central hole, a plurality of radial openings angularly
spaced apart around the central hole, and a plurality of hub plate
sections each extending radially into a respective opening and
being bendable from a respective one of first and second reel
plates to project substantially in an axial direction. The hub
plate sections of the first and second reel plates form a hub body
when they bend and extend between the first and second reel plates
in an overlapping manner so that the hub plate sections of the
first and second reel plates alternate with each other. A method of
making the reel assembly is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Huang; Tzung-Lin; (Kaohsiung
City, TW) ; Huang; Chun-Huai; (Kaohsiung City,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHOATE, HALL & STEWART LLP
TWO INTERNATIONAL PLACE
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Assignee: |
Huang; Tzung-Lin
Kaohsiung City
TW
|
Family ID: |
42239352 |
Appl. No.: |
12/463272 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/609.1 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/534 20130101;
B65H 2701/37 20130101; B65H 75/22 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
B65H 2701/5112 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/609.1 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/14 20060101
B65H075/14; B65H 75/18 20060101 B65H075/18; B23P 11/00 20060101
B23P011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2008 |
TW |
097148196 |
Claims
1. A reel assembly comprising: a first reel plate having a first
central hole, a plurality of angularly spaced-apart first hub plate
sections extending substantially axially from said first reel plate
around said first central hole, and a plurality of radial first
openings angularly spaced apart around said first central hole,
each of said first openings having an inner end proximate to said
first central hole, and an outer end distal from said first central
hole, each of said first hub plate sections being connected to and
bent from said inner end of one of said radial first openings to
project substantially axially from said inner end of a respective
said radial first opening; and a second reel plate having a second
central hole, and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart second hub
plate sections extending substantially axially from said second
reel plate around said second central hole, and a plurality of
radial second openings angularly spaced apart around said second
central hole, each of said second openings having an inner end
proximate to said second central hole, and an outer end distal from
said second central hole, each of said second hub plate sections
being connected to and bent from said inner end of one of said
radial second openings to project substantially axially from said
inner end of a respective said radial second opening; wherein said
first and second hub plate sections form a hub body when said first
and second hub plate sections are disposed axially between said
first and second reel plates in an alternating manner.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The reel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said first hub
plate sections has a bent distal end glued to said second reel
plates, and each of said second hub plate sections has a bent
distal end glued to said first reel plate.
5. The reel assembly of claim 1, wherein said first reel plate
further has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart first engaging
holes each formed between two adjacent ones of said first openings,
each of said second hub plate sections having a distal end
extending through a respective one of said first engaging holes and
bending thereafter to form a first hook, said second reel plate
further having a plurality of angularly spaced-apart second
engaging holes each formed between two adjacent ones of said second
openings, each of said first hub plate sections having a distal end
extending through a respective one of said second engaging holes
and bending thereafter to form a second hook.
6. The reel assembly of claim 5, wherein said first reel plate
further has a plurality of third engaging holes which are proximate
to said first engaging holes, respectively, said distal end of each
of said second hub plate sections extending into one of said third
engaging holes after forming said first hook, said second reel
plate further having a plurality of fourth engaging holes which are
proximate to said second engaging holes, respectively, said distal
end of each of said first hub plate sections extending into one of
said fourth engaging holes after forming said second hook.
7. A method of making a reel assembly, comprising: (A) preparing
first and second reel plates; (B) providing first and second
central holes respectively in said first and second reel plates;
(C) slitting each of said first and second reel plates so that said
first reel plate has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart radially
extending first hub plate sections surrounding said first central
hole, and so that said second reel plate has a plurality of
angularly spaced-apart radially extending second hub plate sections
surrounding said second central hole; (D) bending substantially
axially each of said first and second hub plate sections so that
said first reel plate is formed with a plurality of angularly
spaced-apart radial first openings and said second reel plate is
formed with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart radial second
openings; (E) bending a distal end of each of said first and second
hub plate sections; (F) placing said first and second hub plate
sections between said first and second reel plates in an
alternating manner; and (G) connecting said bent distal ends of
said first hub plate sections to said second reel plate and
connecting said bent distal ends of said second hub plate sections
to said first reel plate.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the connecting of said first hub
plate sections to said second reel plate and the connecting of said
second hub plate sections to said first reel plate are carried out
by gluing.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the connecting of said first hub
plate sections to said second reel plate and the connecting of said
second hub plate sections to said first reel plate are carried out
in an interlocking manner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of Taiwanese Application
No. 097148196, filed on Dec. 11, 2008, which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a reel assembly, more particularly
to a reel assembly on which there may be wound tape having a
plurality of electronic components attached thereto and a method of
making the same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of electronic components 11
are generally disposed on a tape 12 so as to facilitate quick
transfer and making of the same. The tape 12 is wound around a reel
assembly (not shown) to protect the electronic components 11 and to
facilitate transport of the same.
[0006] Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional reel assembly 2, as
disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. M566403, includes a hub body 21
having a clamping groove 211, and two side plates 22 connected
respectively to two opposite side faces of the hub body 21. One end
of the tape 12 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the clamping groove
211, after which the reel assembly 2 is manipulated so as to wind
the tape 12 on the reel body 21 between the side plates 22. Hence,
the electronic components 11 are protected within the reel assembly
2, and transport of the same is also facilitated.
[0007] Although the aforesaid reel assembly 2 can achieve its
intended purpose, the reel assembly 2 has three separate components
that must be assembled prior to use and that must be disassembled
to facilitate storage. Further, assembly and disassembly of the
reel assembly 2 consume a lot of time. Moreover, since the hub body
21 is large, a significant amount of space is used for storage.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates another conventional reel assembly. The
conventional reel assembly of FIG. 3 can be made of paper or
plastic, and includes two side plates 200 connected respectively to
two opposite sides of a hub body 300. It has the same disadvantages
as the conventional reel assembly 2 shown in FIG. 2.
[0009] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a conventional reel assembly 3,
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,534, includes first and second
reel plates 31, 32 that are interconnected to each other and that
are identical to each other. Each of the first and second reel
plates 31, 32 includes a plurality of hub plate sections 311, 321
projecting inwardly from a respective one of the first and second
reel plates 31, 32, and a base wall 33, 33' connected to the hub
plate sections 311, 321 and generally parallel to the respective
one of the first and second reel plates 31, 32. The base wall 33,
33' is provided with six spaced-apart engaging ears 34, and six
through holes 331 for extension of the respective engaging ears 34
of the base wall 33, 33' of a corresponding first or second reel
plate 31, 32 so that the engaging ears 34 of the base wall 33, 33'
of the first and second reel plates 31, 32 can be inter-engaged,
thereby interconnecting the first and second reel plates 31, 32.
The hub plate sections 311, 321 of the first and second reel plates
31, 32 form a hub body 35 of the reel assembly 3 after the
interconnection.
[0010] Although the reel assembly 3 includes only two components,
the interlocking structures of the components are complicated, so
that the manufacturing processes of the reel assembly 3, such as
forming and molding, are difficult. This results in high
manufacturing cost of the reel assembly 3. Further, the reel
assembly 3 occupies a substantial storage space, regardless of
whether it is in an assembled or a disassembled state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a reel assembly that has a low manufacturing cost and a method of
making the same.
[0012] According to one aspect of this invention, a reel assembly
comprises first and second reel plates each having a central hole,
and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart hub plate sections
extending substantially axially from a respective one of the first
and second reel plates around the central hole. The hub plate
sections of the first and second reel plates form a hub body when
they extend between the first and second reel plates in an
overlapping manner so that the hub plate sections of the first and
second reel plates alternate with each other.
[0013] According to another aspect of this invention, a reel
assembly comprises first and second reel plates each having a
central hole, a plurality of radial openings angularly spaced apart
around the central hole, and a plurality of hub plate sections each
extending radially into a respective opening and being bendable
from a respective one of first and second reel plates to project
substantially in an axial direction. The hub plate sections of the
first and second reel plates form a hub body when they bend and
extend between the first and second reel plates in an overlapping
manner so that the hub plate sections of the first and second reel
plates alternate with each other.
[0014] According to still another aspect of this invention, a
method of making a reel assembly comprises the steps of: preparing
first and second reel plates; providing first and second central
holes respectively in the first and second reel plates; slitting
each of the first and second reel plates so that the first reel
plate has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart radially extending
first hub plate sections surrounding the first central hole and the
second reel plate has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart
radially extending second hub plate sections surrounding the second
central hole; bending substantially axially each of the first and
second hub plate sections so that the first reel plate is formed
with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart radial first openings
and the second reel plate is formed with a plurality of angularly
spaced-apart radial second openings; placing the first and second
hub plate sections between the first and second reel plates in an
overlapping manner so that the first and second hub plate sections
alternate with each other to form a hub body; and connecting the
first hub plate sections to the second reel plate and connecting
the second hub plate sections to the first reel plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent in the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape loaded with a
plurality of electronic components;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional
reel assembly disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. M566403;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partly exploded perspective view of another
conventional reel assembly;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a conventional reel
assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,534;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the conventional reel
assembly of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first
reel plate of a reel assembly;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second
reel plate of the reel assembly;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the
first and second reel plates in an assembled state;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first
and second plates in an assembled state;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment in a state of
use;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a flow chart, illustrating an embodiment of the
steps involved in making the reel assembly;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first and second reel
plates prepared in an embodiment of a first step of making the reel
assembly;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, but illustrating the
first and second reel plates respectively provided with a central
hole and a plurality of radially extending hub plate sections;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a bottom view, illustrating the hub plate
sections of the first and second reel plates in a state bent in an
axial direction;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, but illustrating
distal ends of the hub plate sections of the first and second reel
plates in a bent state;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
first reel plate of a reel assembly;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
reel assembly in an assembled state;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
first reel plate of a reel assembly; and
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
reel assembly in an assembled state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Before the present invention is described in greater detail,
it should be noted that the same reference numerals have been used
to denote like elements throughout the specification.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a reel assembly is adapted to
wind a reel tape 100 (see FIG. 10) that is loaded with a plurality
of electronic components 101 (see FIG. 10), and is shown to
comprise first and second reel plates 4, 5.
[0037] The first reel plate 4 has a first central hole 42, a
plurality of radial first openings 44 angularly spaced apart around
the first central hole 42, a plurality of first hub plate sections
43 each extending radially into one of the first openings 44 and
being bendable from the first reel plate 4 to project substantially
in an axial direction, and a first view hole 45 disposed between
two adjacent ones of the first openings 44. Each first opening 44
has an inner end 441 proximate to the first central hole 42, and an
outer end 442 distal from the first central hole 42. Each first hub
plate section 43 projects substantially axially from the inner end
441 of a respective first opening 44, and has a bent distal end
431.
[0038] The second reel plate 5 has a second central hole 52, a
plurality of radial second openings 54 angularly spaced apart
around the second central hole 52, and an outer end 542 distal from
the second central hole 52, a plurality of second hub plate
sections 53 each extending radially into one of the second openings
54 and being bendable from the second reel plate 5 to project
substantially in an axial direction, and a second view hole 55
disposed between two adjacent ones of the second openings 54. Each
second opening 54 has an inner end 541 proximate to the second
central hole 52, and an outer end 542 distal from the second
central hole 52. Each second hub plate section 53 projects
substantially axially from the inner end 541 of a respective second
opening 54, and has a bent distal end 531.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in combination with FIG. 10, the
first and second hub plate sections 43, 53 form a hub body 6 for
winding the reel tape 100 when the first and second hub plate
sections 43, 53 bend and extend between the first and second reel
plates 4, 5 in an overlapping manner so that the first and second
hub plate sections 43, 53 alternate with each other. The bent
distal ends 431 of the first hub plate sections 43 are glued to the
second reel plate 5, while the bent distal ends 531 of the second
hub plate sections 53 are glued to the first reel plate 4. The
first and second reel plates 4, 5 and the hub body 6 cooperatively
define a receiving space 10 for receiving the reel tape 100. The
first and second view holes 45, 55 are aligned to each other after
assembly of the first and second reel plates 4, 5 to permit viewing
of the amount of the reel tape 100 in the receiving space 10. Two
opposite sides of each of the first and second view holes 45, 55
may also be provided with graduation marks 451 so that the amount
of the reel tape 100 in the receiving space 10 may be more
accurately determined. The first and second view holes 45, 55 may
also be used as a basis for alignment during assembly of the first
and second reel plates 4, 5, so that when the first and second view
holes 45, 55 are aligned, the first and second hub plate sections
43, 53 can be smoothly overlapped in an alternating manner between
the first and second reel plates 4, 5 to form the hub body 6. In an
alternative embodiment, the first and second view holes 45, 55 may
be dispensed with, in which case, the amount of the reel tape 100
in the receiving space 10 may be directly viewed through the radial
first and second openings 44, 54. Hence, in the absence of the
first and second view holes 45, 55, each of the first and second
reel plates 4, 5 may be provided with more hub plate sections 43,
53, so that the alternately arranged first and second hub plate
sections 43, 53 can form a substantially continuous circular hub
body 6.
[0040] It should be noted that the first and second reel plates 4,
5 are substantially mirror images of each other, and the first and
second reel plates 4, 5 are made of hard cardboard in order to
minimize the material costs. However, they may be made of plastic
materials, if necessary.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 11, a method of making the reel assembly
includes steps (A) to (F).
[0042] In step (A), referring to FIG. 12, first and second reel
plates 4, 5 made of hard cardboard are prepared. In step (B),
referring to FIG. 13, the first reel plate 4 is formed with a first
central hole 42 and a first view hole 45, and the second reel plate
5 is formed with a second central hole 52 and a second view hole
55.
[0043] In step (C), referring again to FIG. 13, each of the first
and second reel plates 4, 5 is slitted, so that the first reel
plate 4 has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart radially
extending first hub plate sections 43 surrounding the first central
hole 42, and the second reel plate 5 has a plurality of angularly
spaced-apart radially extending second hub plate sections 53
surrounding the second central hole 52. Further, in this step, a
plurality of fold lines (shown in phantom lines) are printed on the
first and second reel plates 4, 5 and on the first and second hub
plate sections 43, 53 to facilitate the succeeding bending steps.
The first view hole 45 is formed between two adjacent ones of the
first hub plate sections 43, while the second view hole 55 is
formed between two adjacent ones of the second hub plate sections
53.
[0044] In step (D), referring to FIG. 14, each of the first and
second hub plate sections 43, 53 is bent along the fold lines that
are printed on the first and second reel plates 4, 5 until the
first hub plate sections 43 extend substantially axially from the
first reel plate 4 and the second hub plate sections 53 extend
substantially axially from the second reel plate 5. At this time, a
plurality of angularly spaced-apart radial first openings 44 are
formed in the first reel plate 4, and a plurality of angularly
spaced-apart radial second openings 54 are formed in the second
reel plate 5. Each first opening 44 has an inner end 441 proximate
to the first central hole 42, and an outer end 442 distal from the
first central hole 42. Each second opening 54 has an inner end 541
proximate to the second central hole 52, and an outer end 542
distal from the second central hole 52. Hence, the fold lines on
the first and second reel plates 4, 5 come to be printed on the
inner ends 441, 541 of the first and second openings 44, 54. Also,
as a result of such bending, the first and second hub plate
sections 43, 53 extend substantially axially from the inner ends
441, 541 of the respective first and second openings 44, 54.
[0045] After the first and second hub plate sections 43, 53 are
bent, distal ends 431 of the first hub plate sections 43 and distal
ends 531 of the second hub plate sections 53 are bent inwardly
along the fold lines that are printed on the respective first and
second hub plate sections 43, 53, as best shown in FIG. 15.
[0046] In step (E), referring back to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first and
second hub plate sections 43, 53 are placed between the first and
second reel plates 4, 5 in an overlapping manner so that the first
and second hub plate sections 43, 53 alternate with each other to
form the hub body 6. The first and second reel plates 4, 5 and the
hub body 6 cooperatively define the receiving space 10 for
receiving the reel tape 100 (see FIG. 10).
[0047] In step (F), the distal ends 431 of the first hub plate
sections 43 are connected to the second reel plate 5 (not visible
in FIG. 9), and the distal ends 531 of the second hub plate
sections 53 are connected to the first reel plate 4 (see FIG. 9).
In this embodiment, the connecting of the distal ends 431 to the
second reel plate 5 and the connecting of the distal ends 531 to
the first reel plate 4 are carried out by gluing. In an alternative
embodiment, the connecting of the distal ends 431 to the second
reel plate 5 and the connecting of the distal ends 531 to the first
reel plate 4 may be carried out by other means, such as by the use
of a stapler, bending engagement, etc.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, another embodiment of the reel
assembly according is shown to be similar to the embodiments of
FIGS. 6 and 7. However, in this embodiment, the first reel plate 4
further has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart first engaging
holes 47 each formed between two adjacent ones of the first
openings 44, and the second reel plate 5 further has a plurality of
angularly spaced-apart second engaging holes 57 each formed between
two adjacent ones of the second openings 54. The distal end 431 of
each first hub plate section 43 extends through a respective second
engaging hole 57, and bends thereafter to form a hook that is
hooked to the second reel plate 5 (not visible in FIG. 17). The
distal end 531 of each second hub plate section 53 extends through
a respective first engaging hole 47, and bends thereafter to form a
hook that is hooked to the first reel plate 4. Through such
connections, use of a fixing means, such as a stapler, adhesive,
etc., is dispensed herewith.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, another embodiment of the reel
assembly is shown to be similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and
17. However, in this embodiment, the first reel plate 4 further has
a plurality of angularly spaced-apart third engaging holes 48 which
are proximate to the first engaging holes 47, respectively, and the
second reel plate 5 further has a plurality of angularly
spaced-apart fourth engaging holes (not visible) which are
proximate to the second engaging holes 57, respectively. The distal
end 431 of each first hub plate section 43 extends through a
respective second engaging hole 57, bends thereafter to form a
hook, and then extends into and engages one of the fourth engaging
holes. The distal end 531 of each second hub plate section 53
extends through a respective first engaging hole 47, bends
thereafter to form a hook, and then extends into and engages one of
the third engaging holes 48. In this embodiment, the fixing
connection of the first and second reel plates 4, 5 is enhanced and
more stable.
[0050] It should be noted that since the first and second reel
plates 4, 5 are substantially mirror images of each other, only the
structure of the first reel plate 4 is detailed in the second and
third embodiments. Further, the reel assembly in each of the second
and third embodiments is not provided with a view hole. The amount
of the reel tape in the reel assembly can be directly viewed
through the first and second openings 44, 54.
[0051] The advantages of the reel assembly of the present invention
and the method of making the same can be summarized as follows:
[0052] 1. The first and second reel plates 4, 5 can be stored in a
semi-finished state, i.e., after performing steps (B) and (C), as
shown in FIG. 13. Since each of the first and second reel plates 4,
5 is formed as a single thin plate body, the reel plates 4, 5 can
be stacked one over the other uniformly without occupying a
substantial space. When the reel assembly is required, steps (D) to
(F) are performed to interconnect the first and second reel plates
4, 5.
[0053] 2. The first and second reel plates 4, 5 are made of hard
cardboard, and undergo steps (B) and (C) to form the first and
second central holes 42, 52 and the first and second hub plate
sections 43, 53. The first and second hub plates sections 43, 53
are bent, then extend between the first and second reel plates 4, 5
in an overlapping manner so as to alternate with each other, after
which the distal ends 431 of the first hub plate sections 43 are
connected to the second reel plate 5, and the distal ends 531 of
the second hub plate sections 53 are connected to the first reel
plate 4, thereby forming the reel assembly of the present
invention. Hence, making of the reel assembly of the present
invention is relatively simple. Further, since the material of the
reel assembly of the present invention is hard cardboard instead of
plastic, which is customarily used in the making of the
conventional reel assemblies, not only can the material cost be
minimized, the complicated steps involved in using the plastic
materials, such as forming, molding, etc., may also be dispensed
herewith, so that the manufacturing costs of the present invention
can be effectively minimized.
[0054] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what are considered the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest
interpretations and equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *